Tips Before You Take Your 1st RV Trip

Now that you have bought your beautiful new RV, there are some useful tips to consider that will help to ensure your first trip is trouble-free.  For a start, be sure to take advantage of all the information and advice your RV dealer can give you regarding maintaining and operating your RV.  Familiarize yourself with the different systems such as the propane tank, generator, and water pumps and learn how they work since you will be monitoring and maintaining them. 

Driving a motorhome or towing a travel trailer is not difficult but before you travel any distance with the new RV, take it out around the neighborhood to get used to the feel of it.  Practice adjusting the mirrors so you get the maximum viewing area and use them to park and maneuver the RV.  Remember that braking is different with a motorhome or trailer so you need to moderate your speed when preparing to stop.  Furthermore get used to how the RV handles while making turns as cornering a large RV does require more of a turning radius. 

It is important to keep tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure, and it is a good idea to get into the habit of checking both the tread and pressure weekly to ensure optimal performance.  Also many experienced RVers suggest being prepared for the unexpected so pack the RV with a flashlight, candles, and matches as well as bring first aid supplies and insect repellant.

Lastly check with your RV dealer about any classes they may offer or can recommend regarding safety, winterizing, or de-winterizing your vehicle.  Even seasoned RVers can benefit from these types of classes.  Your dealer may even have some recommendations for good storage options in the area. 

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Smartly Stock Your New RV

You may recently have bought a RV or are thinking about purchasing one for the upcoming season and need to consider how to stock it.  One of the convenient things about owning a RV is the fact that you can have it always packed and ready to go with all the basics other than clothing and personal items.

That being said, since storage space is limited and you do not want to exceed the weight restriction you can safely tow, be smart when stocking your RV.  Items that go into the RV do not have to be new and can be purchased at thrift stores or yard sales.  Another idea is to take older things from your home to be used in the RV and repurchase new ones for the house. 

Some RVers even go so far as to suggest you load the RV with everything you think you may need for a trip and then spend a weekend in it on the driveway without going into the house for supplies.  This should give you an indication if you are adequately prepared. 

Generally you will want to plan on outfitting your RV with enough dishes to serve everyone who will be traveling with you.  Many suggest reusable plastic dishes since they are light-weight and do not break, and are more environmentally friendly than constantly using paper products.  Your few basic pots and pans should be easy to clean and is not the place for heavy cast-iron skillets.  Stock a small supply of condiments, plastic trash bags, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, can opener, and a coffee pot.  Do not forget about dish towels, soap, sponges, matches, utensils and a fire extinguisher.

Pack the RV with a set of bedding and bath towels for each camper and include a clothes line so you can hang wet towels outside.  The bathroom should be stocked with shampoo and soap along with other basic necessities.  Additionally it is handy to have a multiple-outlet surge protector, outdoor extension cord, bungee cords or tie-downs, and a hand-held vacuum cleaner.   

A small well-stocked tool box is a must and be sure to bring along leveling blocks and wheel chocks.  It is also nice to have lawn chairs for sitting outside, and if you have room, a small portable table.   

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Buying Your First RV?

There are some important things to know and consider beforehand when buying your first RV.  After all it is a major investment and you want to make an educated, well-informed decision before you purchase one. 

Figuring out just what type of RV you need/want can be tricky as there are many options available.  You can do some initial research on the Internet and talk to family or friends for their recommendations and advice, but then you need to find a reputable RV dealer.  Top RV dealers generally employ a highly trained sales staff that can offer guidance to assist you with making a smart decision.  Also choose a dealership that operates a professional service department and one that has a large parts and accessory store as it makes it easier when you need something.  Also ask how long they have been in business and what brand of RVs they carry.   

Remember that communicating with your sales consulate is important.  One of the first things they will ask is what vehicle you plan to use if you are thinking of buying a RV that needs to be towed. Additionally let your rep know what you are looking for in a RV and how much you want to spend.  Give them an idea of the ways you plan to use it and the frequency of trips you will take each year. 

When choosing the right RV for your family, size is very important for not only towing purposes but for how well it serves your needs.  Many experts suggest for maximum comfort chose a RV that sleeps the amount of people you will travel with most of the time without having to utilize a dining area that converts into beds.  The hassle factor and inconvenience can quickly take some of the pleasure out of using the RV.  Also be sure to carefully consider floor plans and think about how well they will work for your family as well as serve your storage requirements.
 

 

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 as well as serving customers from the Denver Area.  Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.